A young police officer who lost sight in one eye after being shot twice in the face during the Bondi terrorist attack has undergone surgery to remove a benign tumour. Probationary Constable Jack Hibbert, 22, and his colleague Constable Scott Dyson were among dozens critically wounded in the mass shooting at Bondi Beach on December 14, which claimed 15 innocent lives.
The probationary constable was left blind in one eye, while the other sustained serious damage and required multiple surgeries. It has now been revealed that a previously undetected tumour the size of a marble was discovered behind the eye that still has vision during one of these procedures.
An update from his family on his official fundraiser in February read: 'Jack has been through more surgery on his eye and is recovering well. Jack will be getting more surgeries in the future in relation to this area. While Jack was hospitalised, his medical team informed the family and Jack that they have discovered a benign tumour. He has decided to move forward with surgery on the finding.'
It is understood he underwent surgery a month ago at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. His family released a statement saying he is doing well but acknowledged the numerous challenges he has faced. NSW Police declined to comment when contacted.
Probationary Constable Hibbert was invited by the NRL to attend Wednesday night's State of Origin series opener at Sydney Olympic Park. Just weeks before his latest surgery, he was presented with a cheque from NSW Police Legacy after more than $700,000 was raised for his recovery. A separate fundraiser set up by family friends has raised over $120,000.
Police Association of NSW president Kevin Morton said: 'The Police Association supported Jack throughout the initial incident and continues to support him on his journey back to full health.' NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley added: 'My thoughts are with Probationary Constable Hibbert and his family as he continues his recovery. Jack showed courage beyond measure when faced with extraordinary danger on December 14. Without hesitation, he placed the safety of others ahead of his own. There is no doubt his bravery saved countless lives and for that, we owe him an enormous debt.'
Probationary Constable Hibbert joined the police force last August and had been on the job for just four months when he was shot during the chaos at Bondi. He spent three days in an induced coma but was discharged from hospital just over a week later, in time for Christmas. He and Constable Dyson met with Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn earlier this year, where they were presented with letters from King Charles III recognising their brave actions.
It was recently revealed that another hero police officer, Detective Inspector Amy Scott, is battling cancer. She was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer, two years after she confronted and fatally shot knifeman Joel Cauchi after he killed six in a stabbing rampage at Bondi Junction Westfield.
